Scotland's ports play huge role in driving UK economy, figures reveal
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A new report shows that ports across Scotland are contributing £1.5 billion of added value to the economy.
The figures, published in September, show the country as one of the highest contributing regions of the UK, behind only the south-east and London.
The research was commissioned by the British Ports Association (BPA) and UK Major Ports Group (UKMPG) via Maritime UK and undertaken by the Centre for Economics & Business Research (CEBR).
The BPA says the figures reveal the hidden scale of the industry across the UK.
"As well as being key trading gateways – handling 95 per cent of UK trade – ports are the foundation of the entire marine economy and are increasingly supporting other types of valuable economic activity, from leisure to fishing, offshore energy and marine aggregates," it said in a statement.
Across the UK, ports bring £9.7 billion of direct value to the economy, the report shows, with 115,000 direct jobs within the ports sector in 2018 and 431,000 in the wider supply chain, in addition to supporting 277,000 further roles through wider spending.
It also argues that each job is 55 per cent more productive than the UK average.
British Ports Association chairman and chief executive of the Port of Blyth, Martin Lawlor, said: “Ports are the foundation of the entire marine economy – whether it is leisure, fishing, offshore energy, marine aggregates or anything else that uses the seas around this island – it matters that the industry continues to deliver.
“Unlike some parts of the world, UK ports do all of this at no cost to the taxpayer. Last year we delivered £5.3 billion to the exchequer and supported £46 billion of GVA. That is an incredible achievement – 20 per cent higher than 2010 and forecast to grow another 15 per cent in the next five years.
“Ports are delivering jobs, investment and prosperity – but that is no accident. If we are to continue to deliver, we cannot stand still, the world is constantly changing and we must constantly change with it and ensure we have a business environment that continues to support success and a world-class ports industry.”
In terms of turnover, Scottish ports brought in £4.7 billion in 2017 – 16 per cent of the UK total. This supported 18,800 jobs, a rise of nearly 4000 since 2010.
UKMPG chairman and chief executive officer of Forth Ports, Charles Hammond, said: “This report shows the hugely significant economic impact that the ports sector delivers. But the sector is ambitious to do more, growing this value further.
“Ports themselves will continue to improve productivity and develop the digital platforms of tomorrow. We will work through any near-term disruption but realising the full potential of the sector for the UK requires partnership with government – for better development rules, improved road and rail links and to embed trade as an enduring priority across government. Ports and their investors are ready to play their part.”
